The City of Bethel has removed its boil water notice for hauled water residents, after consulting with the state Department of Environmental Conservation.
There is still a boil water notice in place for piped customers who get water from the Bethel Heights Water Treatment Plant, which supplies the Housing subdivision.
The City of Bethel says that hauled water customers who received water on August 6 or 7 do not need to boil water or clean their tanks. City officials clarified Thursday (August 8) that hauled water customers were put on a boil water notice out of an abundance of caution, but that they’ve confirmed that the hauled water system is separate from the piped system and was not affected by the loss of pressure at the Bethel Heights Water Treatment Plant.
The boil water notice was originally issued on Tuesday (August 7) after a drop in pressure at the water treatment plant. The city says the depressurization happened after the system was shut off in order to connect water lines to the new Ayaprun Elitnaurvik building. That loss in pressure can result in harmful bacteria entering the water system.
According to the city, water customers who receive piped water from the Bethel Heights treatment plant should boil water for at least two minutes before using it. Boiled or bottled water should be used for drinking, making ice, brushing teeth, washing dishes, and food preparation. It’s ok to use unboiled water for handwashing.
City officials say they anticipate receiving test results from water samples taken from along Bethel Heights lines sometime on Thursday (August 8).
Anyone with questions about the boil water notice can call the City of Bethel at 907-545-1175 or the Department of Environmental Conservation at 907-269-7517.
This is a developing story, and may be updated with additional information.
